An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“What more is there to discuss? Back off! Everyone, just back off!” Brian’s voice boomed as he motioned for everyone to retreat.

He decided not to return to the Celestial Alliance and confess his wrongdoing. His sole recourse now was to keep Alicia captive and seek sanctuary at the Hall of Gods.

“Brian, there’s no escaping this. Release Alicia and I assure you, I’ll find a solution.” Fenley’s expression grew solemn.

He was confident that he could swiftly defeat Brian in a direct confrontation. However, with Alicia held captive, Fenley hesitated and was reluctant to take the risk. If anything were to happen to Alicia, he’d be the one to blame.

“Brian, it’s not too late to repent. Stop making one mistake after another,” Alicia pleaded, her voice strained with anguish. “If you stop now and confess willingly, I can plead with my dad to be lenient in his judgment.”

“Mistakes? Where have I gone wrong?” Brian snarled. “Survival of the fittest is the rule of nature. Everything I’ve undertaken is for my own future and advancement.

“If anyone is at fault, it’s all of you. You all favor Fenley regardless of my efforts. Since you’re all so oblivious, I’ll ensure you regret it!”

“Is your so-called power really worth it? Is it more important than family and friendship?” Alicia frowned.

“Family and friendship? They mean nothing to me!” Brian yelled. “I’ll sacrifice anything, even your life, to seize the guildmaster’s throne.”

“Ungrateful bastard!” Aurora seethed with anger. “If it weren’t for my dad taking pity on you and giving you shelter when you were starving, you would’ve been dead in the streets.

you a second chance at life, treated you as a family,

betray him, and

an orphan, was discovered severely ill and unconscious by Alloy during his travels. He brought Brian home for

and nurtured him. But

I’ve risked my life for him over the years. I’ve repaid all the debts

if you don’t feel indebted to Master Alloy or the guild, what about Alicia?” Fenley asked. “She looked up to you as

I could leave here, Alicia would be safe. But if any of

emotions intensified, and he seemed

go,” Fenley hastily promised after sensing the urgency. “As long as you don’t harm her, I can let this matter slide. But I won’t let you off the hook if she’s

his priority shifted from capturing Brian to ensuring Alicia’s

the chatter and step aside!” Brian shouted

him hesitated to advance. They scattered around

one of the Celestial Alliance disciples. “Come

hesitated and glanced

as he says.”

The disciple complied and reluctantly stepped forward to act as the driver. Since

laughed triumphantly. When he saw the others keeping their distance, he prepared to hop into